Online Classes: Are Schools, Colleges Losing Relevance? 5 Pros & 5 Cons Explained

In the past few years, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic, India’s classrooms have steadily moved online, reshaping the way students learn. With smartphones and affordable internet now common across urban and rural homes, learners no longer need to be inside lecture halls or sprawling college campuses to pick up new skills. From Harvard to the IITs, courses from marquee institutions are now just a click away, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional degrees, a key reason why e-learning has exploded in popularity.

However, like every trend, online education comes with its own set of challenges. While flexibility and lower fees have made digital courses attractive for students, homemakers and working professionals, issues such as the

lack of discipline, poor motivation and limited social interaction often trip up learners who find themselves alone in front of a screen for hours.

The rise of edtech has also democratised access. Even students in small towns and remote villages can now log in to global classrooms, saving on travel, hostel fees and expensive textbooks. For many who had to drop out earlier due to financial constraints or distance, online courses have opened a second chance to study. Upskilling, particularly in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence and data science, has become easier without quitting a job, and the time saved from commuting often goes into practical projects or personal interests.

But the digital format has its pitfalls. The absence of a physical classroom means fewer opportunities for peer discussions and networking, which can leave students feeling isolated. Without a teacher watching over them, many struggle to stay disciplined and end up dropping out midway.

Technical glitches like patchy internet or outdated devices often interrupt classes and add to frustration. Subjects that depend on laboratories, workshops or hands-on training, such as medicine or mechanical engineering, can rarely be mastered fully online. Extended screen time also takes a toll, leading to eye strain, headaches and back pain.